May 11, 2012
Trade Superintendent Glenn Russell was honored as he was presented with the company’s 2012 Kilbourn-Sawyer Award. The award, created in 1997 and named in after two former long-time superintendents, is presented to a PC superintendent who demonstrates outstanding performance. Continue Reading →
April 30, 2012
The Yellow River WRF project team has been co-located at the jobsite designing and constructing for the past five years. During that time the team has achieved some pretty incredible milestones. Earlier this month we were pleased to learn of yet another, accolades that truly speak to the dedication this owner has to its community and the environment. The new Operations Center, which was completed in December 2010, has earned LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Continue Reading →
February 24, 2012
The New England Chapter of the Association for Energy Engineers recently recognized IBM, PC Construction, and associated partners with the 2011 Best Overall Energy Project Award for the Wet Free Cooling System project. This project, located at IBM’s Essex Junction facility in Vermont, allows IBM to use outside winter air to produce air conditioning for its semiconductor manufacturing and related operations that require cooling year-round. The process reduces their use of electricity and water and saves the company up to $700,000 annually.
Learn more about this project.
February 9, 2012
I am pleased to honor Senior Estimator Andy Seaton today as the 2012 recipient of PC Construction’s Founding Principles Award.
Andy joined the PC team in 1979 and, over the past 32 years, divided his time between constructing projects in the field and estimating them in the office. During his earlier years with the company he traveled from Vermont and Maine to Virginia and Texas working on treatment plant and building projects. Nearly 20 years ago, he transitioned to the Estimating group, focusing on mechanical estimating and helping the company bring key projects into the win category.
Andy personifies what PC is all about: hard-working, operates with unquestionable ethics, and is a creative thinker who is always willing to pitch in where needed. He constantly and unselfishly mentors the other members of the Estimating group, providing silent leadership in a way that few can. Andy is always well-prepared for every challenge and is rock-solid when the pressure is on. He truly deserves this award.
The Founding Principles Award recognizes individuals within the company who exemplify the “PC Way” in all aspects of their work. Recipients embody the principles and values handed down by Angelo, Remo, and Jim Pizzagalli and their parents, Angelo G. and Theresa. The award acknowledges the accomplishments of individuals who exhibit a sense of urgency, go one step beyond with customers, pay attention to details, take personal responsibility for actions and consequences, recognize the importance of safety, and possess a can-do attitude. Recipients also demonstrate the utmost honesty and integrity, all while having fun doing things right and doing the right thing in a fashion that brings about team, company, and individual success.
Senior Estimator Andy Seaton (center) is congratulated by Project Executive Jeff Garner (left) and President Peter Bernhardt (right) after presenting him with the Founding Principles Award
February 3, 2012
We are pleased to recognize our top Safety Projects of the Year for 2011.
Northeast WWTP Improvements, Hickory, NC
A $21 million project for the City of Hickory Public Utilities Department that consists of modifications to an existing 6 MGD facility originally built in 1948. The primary scope is to provide a new process train switching from Aeration Basins to Oxidation Ditches, with the addition of a new Influent Pump Station, Grit Removal Structure, Oxidation Ditches, Secondary Clarifier, and SCADA System as well as renovations to the Disinfection Systems, Secondary Clarifiers, Odor Control, and Dewatering Facilities. In addition to the mechanical process construction, a new Laboratory Building is being built. Project completion is scheduled for June 2012, six months ahead of the contractual date. Continue Reading →
December 7, 2011
Last night I was proud to stand up with my team and accept the AGC/Vermont Best Builders Award in the Green Construction Renovation category for our work on The University of Vermont George D. Aiken Center Addition and Renovation project. I truly enjoyed working with a client so dedicated to sustainability on the largest higher educational campus in the State of Vermont, and the results of the team’s combined efforts certainly show. Continue Reading →
October 25, 2011
At the Design Build Institute of America National Conference in Orlando, Florida, PC Construction employee owners Mike Angeli and Mike Franzoni accepted a prestigious 2011 Design-Build Excellence Award for the $109 million H.L. Mooney WRF Expansion and Upgrade Stage 2, Phase 1 project in Virginia.
To be considered for a National Design-Build Award, projects must demonstrate successful application of design-build best practices as defined by the DBIA Design-Build Manual of Practice. These include early integration of key team members during the proposal process via a proposal charrette or other collaborative outreach efforts and close coordination between design and construction team members from the design development stage through field construction.
The conference opening keynote speaker was the legendary NASA Apollo 13 Commander, Captain James Lovell. Captain Lovell regaled in stories of the ill-fated mission and spoke on how teamwork, collaboration, and ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking all combined to turn an impossible situation into success. Applying these same techniques and skills are crucial to the success of design-build projects.
June 22, 2011
On June 16 the Portland Society of Architects honored the Portland Museum of Art, Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, and PC Construction Company with a 25 Year Award for Architectural Design Excellence for the Payson Wing project. In accepting the award on behalf of the Portland Museum of Art, Director Mark Bessire noted the enduring quality of the landmark building’s design and construction, noting “the building’s relatively small maintenance budget speaks to the high quality workmanship when it was built.”
Paul Stevens, Portland Society of Architects President, noted the tremendous leadership of Superintendent George Smith while recognizing PC Construction for its role in the project. Architect Henry Cobb gave attendees a retrospective look back to the project’s origins and his vision for the building that led to a cultural revival of an entire city. Now 84 years old, Cobb summed it up best in an interview with the Maine Sunday Telegram when he stated, “The building, if I may say so, is very well detailed and very well built.”
Portland Museum of Art’s website speaks to the project’s history:
In 1976, Maine native Charles Shipman Payson promised the Museum his collection of 17 works by Winslow Homer. Recognizing the Museum’s physical limitations, he also gave $8 million toward the building of an addition to be designed by Henry Nichols Cobb of I. M. Pei & Partners. Construction began on the Charles Shipman Payson Building in 1981, and within two years the $8.2 million facility was opened to the public.”
We were pleased to be the construction partner on this historic project nearly 30 years ago and to be invited back in 2000 to complete the LDM Sweat Gallery and McLellan House Renovations for the Portland Museum of Art.
Read more about Harry Cobb’s look back on the prestigious Payson Wing project by clicking here.
Facade of the Portland Museum of Art (Photo by Craig Becker)
March 16, 2011
PC Construction is pleased to honor Project Manager David Johnson as this year’s recipient of the Founding Principles Award. Dave joined PC Construction in 1989, bringing with him an extensive background in treatment plant construction. His dedication to the company and commitment to putting forth 100% every day became evident as he followed the company around the country – from Vermont, New York, and Pennsylvania all the way to Virginia and Colorado – building successful projects and lasting relationships with clients.
Dave is one of those “un-sung heroes,” a person you really want representing the company. He is hard-working and devoted to his job and his team members. He spends time with the people on his projects, helping them grow and manage jobs the right way. He has an innate ability to identify and understand other’s professional challenges and acts as mentor to help overcome them. It has been a pleasure to work with him over the past two years; he has made my job easier and enjoyable. I’m proud to present him with this award in recognition of all he has achieved the past 22 years.
Project Manager Dave Johnson Honored with the 2011 Founding Principles Award
The Founding Principles Award, created in 2008 as part of PC Construction’s 50th Anniversary, recognizes individuals at PC Construction who embody the principles and values handed down by Angelo, Remo, and Jim PC Construction and their parents, Angelo G. and Theresa.
February 23, 2011
PC Construction’s renovation of a 60,000 square foot former department store into a world-class call center for TD Bank has achieved LEED Platinum status from the Green Building Certification Institute. This adds to PC Construction’s growing list of LEED projects ranging from Certified to Platinum. Continue Reading →
February 22, 2011
February 14, 2011
Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to attend the Make-A-Wish Recognition Dinner to celebrate the generosity and dedication of the volunteers, donors, and supporters throughout the State of Vermont who help to make the organization’s mission a reality.
The evening began with the story of Andrew, a 16-year-old from Eden, Vermont. He suffers from IgA Nephropathy and Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome. Combined, the two kidney conditions cause severe pain and an unknown future for Andrew due to the rareness of the conditions. For his wish, Andrew chose to meet the Jonas Brothers. Since his diagnosis, Andrew has relied on music to get him through and he has always looked up to the Jonas Brothers and feels a connection to Nick Jonas through his Song “A Little Bit Longer.” When he learned that his wish was going to come true, Andrew and his dad made a guitar especially for the Jonas Brothers as a gift to give back. Andrew’s wish was so special to him because “it has inspired [him] to keep making his music.”
It was very moving to hear Andrew’s story and made me proud to be part of a company that supports organizations who reach out to those in need.
Andrew's wish to meet the Jonas Brothers was made possible through the support of local individuals and organizations
February 1, 2011
January 21, 2011
January 17, 2011
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is an internationally recognized green building certification system that provides a framework for implementing sustainable and “green” design, construction, equipment, and maintenance solutions. Continue Reading →
December 20, 2010
What a whirlwind! First accepting the AGC of Vermont Best Builders Award and then flying to Orlando to accept Honorable Mention in Power Engineering Magazine’s 2010 Projects of the Year Awards. It is, of course, a pleasure to accept an award from our home state and be recognized for our efforts in green construction, but it was truly a distinct honor to be recognized by Power Engineering in this international competition and elite award program.
The PurposeEnergy Digester project was first named by Power Engineering Magazine as one of only three finalists in the world in the Best Renewable/Sustainable Projects category – and the only finalist from the United States. During the POWER-GEN International Conference, we had the opportunity to learn more about the other finalists – the $350 million Tekeze Hydropower Project generating 300MW in Ethiopia and the Canoe Creek Hydroelectric Project in Canada – and share the story of our unique PurposeEnergy project. By the end of the awards banquet, the Ethiopian project had taken the first place award and we were happily holding our Honorable Mention.
It was quite an experience. Many of the most influential power projects, and the people behind them, were represented. The other categories included Nuclear (2 finalists), Coal (3 finalists), and Natural Gas (3 finalists). All of these projects were very large, multi-year efforts that simply dwarfed ours by every measurement. Our award has generated quite a buzz, though, and congratulatory e-mails have come from all over to a wide range of people at PC Construction. Internally, our congratulations and thanks go to Senior Project Manager Chet Laymen and Project Superintendent Jody Atkins who built this internationally acclaimed, multi-award winning project.
Senior Project Manager Chet Layman accepts PC Construction's Project of the Year Honorable Mention at the POWER-GEN International Conference
December 17, 2010
All of us at PC Construction understand the uniqueness associated with the recently constructed PurposeEnergy Digester project. The innovative qualities of this project provide numerous renewable energy benefits to New England’s largest craft brewery, Magic Hat Brewery. And last week, I was proud to see this project be recognized for outstanding quality of work and effort by the AGC of Vermont with a 2010 Best Builders Award in the New Green Construction category.
The major components of the project included a Flow Equalization System, Mechanical Building to house the process equipment and piping, a patented Anaerobic Digester designed for brewery waste, and a Cogeneration System. This new digester allows PurposeEnergy, Inc. to use the organic waste streams produced by Magic Hat Brewery to generate biogas. The biogas is then utilized by the brewery’s steam boilers and/or PurposeEnergy’s cogeneration plant.
The brewery’s three waste streams; spent grain, high strength wastewater, and low strength wastewater (gray water), were previously disposed of through off-site trucking and surcharges at a local municipal waste treatment facility. Now these waste by-products are diverted to the anaerobic digester at the PurposeEnergy biogas facility. PurposeEnergy’s patented Biphase Orbicular BiodigesterTM (which we affectionately call BOB), specifically designed for brewery by-products, enables the conversion of high solids content brewery waste into carbon neutral, renewable biogas. Additionally, this system is designed to utilize the waste heat from the generator’s exhaust, coolant, and engine oil to heat the digester and preheat the water used in the brewing process.
This is an incredible project, one I was proud to be involved with. I’d especially like to recognize the PC Construction team for this recognition: Senior Project Manager Chet Layman and Project Superintendent Jody Atkins, as well as their crew – Kevin Brodeur, Nathan Cameron, Brian Chaffee, Wayne Combs, Shane Gray, Paul Lincolnhunt, Gary Morin, Jeff Reynolds, Justin Reynolds, Cody Smith, Arnie Brown, Larry Dopp, Peter Sweeney, and Stacy Tomko.
Andrew Martin, Jody Atkins, Chet Layman, and Jeff Garner accept the AGC of Vermont Best Builders Award for PC Construction's work on the PurposeEnergy Digester project
May 13, 2010
Today PC Construction recognized Senior Superintendent Wayne DeLong’s dedication and achievements with the 2010 Kilbourn-Sawyer Award. The award, named in honor of two long-time Superintendents, is presented to a superintendent who demonstrates outstanding performance in a range of areas, including PC Construction’s core values, and who also displays a commitment to the company’s systems, policies, and procedures.
Wayne joined the PC Construction team in 2006 as a superintendent on the Linwood Water Reclamation Facility Upgrade project in Georgia. He later moved on to the Yellow River Water Reclamation Facility project, where he clearly demonstrated his strong leadership capabilities. Wayne was quickly promoted to Senior Superintendent and now successfully leads a team of superintendents, while also taking time to mentor up-and-comers at PC Construction. He also takes safety seriously and that effort was recently recognized with a Ron Amerson Supervisor Safety Award by the Georgia Branch of the AGC for his role in supervising one of Georgia’s safest jobsites.
Said Project Executive Rick Fisher: “Wayne has such a great mechanical sense for how treatment plant projects go together and, at the same time, understands how to motivate people and get everyone moving in the same direction while keeping the project on track. He’s truly become a great leader.”
Wayne joins a distinguished group of superintendents as past recipients of the Kilbourn-Sawyer Award, including Jody Atkins (2004), Jim Bergloff (1997), Bernie Demag (1998), Rick Fisher (1999 and 2005), Mike Flood (2009), Mike Franzoni (2006), Ray Moran (2008), Bill Lawrence (2002), Seth Lehman (2003), Mark Selig (2007), and Chris White (2000).
Senior Vice President Butch Bedell and Project Executive Rick Fisher Present Senior Superintendent Wayne DeLong (right) with the Kilbourn-Sawyer Award
April 29, 2010
April 13, 2010
Every year, the governor of Vermont celebrates extraordinary volunteerism by recognizing individuals, families, groups, and companies who go above and beyond in their volunteering efforts. PC Construction was one of two companies in the state to be recognized with a 2010 Governor’s Award for Outstanding Community Service. I was pleased to accept this community service award from Governor Jim Douglas at a ceremony held in Montpelier on April 10. Continue Reading →
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